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Architecture/Front porch on Dutch Colonial House

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Expert: Rikki Nyman - 5/7/2010


Question

Dutch Colonial style h
I read your answer concerning a question about a front porch on a dutch colonial house.  I have a similar question about a covering for our existing stoop that is the main entry to our house, built in the mid-70s.  You will see from the attached picture that the house does have a covered secondary entry on a breezeway, but most people come to our main entry which has no cover.  We have a lot of rain and even some snow (as you can see in the picture) and would love to have some protection for people waiting for us to answer the door at the front.  In addition, I think it would help with dirt currently brought into our entry foyer.  We live close to Williamsburg, VA and have looked there for a similar design and how the porch might be covered, but would love your advice.  Thanks!

Answer
If you look at earlier Dutch Colonials in your area that were built between 1910-1930, you'll notice that a fair number have some version of a bracketed hood or small portico. On your house I would consider a bracketed hood to shelter visitors. The question of hood style though might require more thought.  The assertive symmetry of your façade seems to demand more of the same, but I'd resist that temptation. Find a draftsman to render a couple ideas including a modernized ogee (curved), shed, and pedimented hood, then choose the one you find most attractive. Other possibilities might also suggest themselves. The most important factor is making sure the proportion is right.

I tend to avoid making dramatic changes because I like the stories houses tell about their period in history and the cultural influences they reflect. Your house is a neo-traditional interpretation of a venerable type and style so adding a larger porch doesn't seem like a good idea to me. I particularly like the Chinese Chippendale influence in the porch railings.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThis response was very helpful in directing us toward a solution to our problem. Thanks!


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Rikki Nyman

Expertise

Residential architectural questions concerning houses designed between 1900 and 1950, where the question pertains specifically to styles, designs, plans, building materials, color schemes, paint colors, interior finishes and so on. I am NOT qualified to answer engineering questions or issues involving construction methods, plumbing, electrical and the like. For example, I can describe what an appropriate color scheme would be for a vintage 1920s kitchen, or sources for plans for Storybook Style houses. I can not tell someone how to replace the electrical wiring in their old home.

Experience

I have been researching old houses and writing about them for more than five years. (See www.antiquehomestyle.com, which is my site.)

Organizations
Oregon Historical Society Architectural History Center, Portland Oregon

Publications
www.antiquehomestyle.com

Education/Credentials
B.S. History, Minor in Architectural Design

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